by Deb Rao
– Senior Columnist —
July 6 2012, At Sunset Station in Henderson, NV
Great White who are currently on tour in support of their latest release Elation performed to a sold out audience of 5000 fans at Sunset Station in a free listener appreciation concert sponsored by Las Vegas radio station KOMP.
’80s rock band Slaughter opened the show at 8 p.m. Kicking off the set with the song “The Wild Life,” Slaughter performed an enthusiastic set of all their hits including “Mad About You” and “Fly To The Angels,” in which Mark dedicated this song to all the men and women in the Armed Forces.
Motley Crue singer Vince Neil was in attendance and jumped on onstage to sing a belated Happy Birthday song to singer Mark Slaughter whose birthday was on Independence Day July 4th. Vince also performed with Slaughter during the encore which included the Motley Crue hit “Home Sweet Home.”
They say you have to live the blues in order to sing them and over their 30-year career Great White has endured many trials and tribulations. But you can’t keep a Great White down, as Great White are once again on top touring with their latest release Elation and dynamic new front-man Terry Ilous.
Great White hit the stage at 9:15 p.m. with a set filled with many classic hits and also performed two new songs “(I’ve Got) Something For You” and “Lowdown.” One of the greatest highlights of the night was watching the fans sing along to the new songs. The audience was very responsive to the new material and that speaks volumes for a band that has survived 30 years and still going strong in the music business. The new material has the same bluesy vibe that propelled the band into stardom in the ’80s.
Terry Ilous asked the audience, “So do you like the blues?” As the band launched into their hit, “House Of Broken Love.” After seeing Terry perform with Great White for the third time it was apparent that Ilous had the bluesy vocals down to perfection. He shined on the new material. Founding member guitarist Mark Kendall shredded the bluesy riffs that made the band famous on the hit “Rock Me.”
Michael Lardie, keyboard player and guitarist, had this to say after the show, “Tonight the band played two new songs “Lowdown” and “(I’ve Got) Something For You.” After 30 years, it is so great to be playing new songs onstage. The new video has really done a lot for the band. We hope to add two new songs from the new album to the set soon including the song “Shotgun Willie.” By the end of the year we hope to be playing 8 or 9 new songs live. The response from the new material has been very positive.”
As the infectious chorus of “Once Bitten Twice Shy” filled the arena, it is safe to say Great White are redeeming their blues crown and hopefully it will be all smooth sailing from here. Be sure to check out the new album Elation on Frontiers Records.
(I’ve Got) Something For You Official Video:
Set List:
Desert Moon
Lady Red Light
Face The Day
(I’ve Got) Something For You
House Of Broken Love
Save Your Love
Mista Bone
All Or Nothing
Lowdown
Rock Me
Can’t Shake It
Once Bitten Twice Shy
